(1795) Washington Liberty and Security penny. Corded rim. Baker-30a, Musante GW-45var, W-11055. MS-64 BN (PCGS).314.0 grains. Asylum edge. One of the finest known survivors of this rare variety, struck with so-called “corded” or “engine turned” rims on both sides. Abundant mint color surrounds the peripheries and devices on both sides, offering fine contrast to the lustrous and glossy medium brown surfaces and devices. Some highlights of gold and pale blue are seen under a light, and the basined obverse shows some reflectivity. The strike is exceptional, with no softness in the often-flat reverse stars, and no notable defects are present. The rim milling appears to have been applied after striking, boldest on the raised portions of the internal rim but also affecting the extreme peripheries of the field. The standard edge device is present as well. At the time of the 1983 Roper sale, it was estimated that five or six examples were known. In Neil Musante’s <em>Medallic Washington</em>, that estimate was adjusted eight to ten known, which seems accurate to us. Most are in relatively high grade, though few are this beautifully preserved.PCGS Population: 4; 1 finer (MS-65 BN finest).From the Archangel Collection. Earlier, from Stacks sale of the John L. Roper 2nd Collection, December 1983, lot 389.
